Raiders Sign Cousins, Set Up Mendoza

0:00On April 2nd, the Las Vegas Raiders just locked in Kirk Cousins with a 5-year $172 million deal, but let's break it. Real, it's basically a 1-year $11.3 million commitment from them, plus $8.7 million he's still owed by the Atlanta. Falcons, totaling $20 million for the 2026 season. This move sets the Raiders up perfectly to start Cousins next year, while he mentors their expected number 1 overall draft pick for Nando Mendoza. It all started brewing back at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, when new head coach Clint Kubiak, who worked with Cousins in Minnesota, pushed for. A veteran bridge, across the league, every other starting quarterback spot filled up fast, from the jets grabbing Geno Smith to the Viking signing Kyler Murray and the dolphins taking Malik Willis. That left fans buzzing about how this closes doors on Cousins chasing a full-time gig elsewhere. Now with the Steelers eyeing a reunion with Aaron Rodgers, per league sources, Cousins passing on Pittsburgh signals he's cool being the Raiders.

1:04Steady hand, if Mendoza shines in camp, Cousins slides to reliable backup. Raiders get quarterback stability and growth either way, while Cousins holds an out after the year team option for two more years at 80 million. That's unlikely to stick, letting him hit free agency fresh or retire on his terms. NFL news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on game day.